On September 7th, NYS Department of Health Commissioner Mary Bassett and Governor Hochul determined that face masks arre no longer required, but still encouraged, on subway trains, correctional facilities, detention centers and homeless shelters.

Governor Kathy Hochul has extended the Executive Order, which declares a State Disaster Emergency in response to the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, through September 27. The Executive Order enables the state to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows health care professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated.

Press Release: Governor Hochul Celebrates Passage of Resolution to Enshrine Equal Rights into the New York State Constitution

Press Release: Governor Hochul Signs Landmark Legislation to Strengthen Gun Laws and Bolster Restrictions on Concealed Carry Weapons

Hochul Enacts Election Law Changes– Benjamin Declines Nomination

On Monday evening, lawmakers narrowly approved a bill to allow indicted former Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin to decline his nomination as a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

Lt. Gov. Benjamin Resigns

This past Tuesday, Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin was arrested on charges related to campaign finance fraud. The five-count indictment alleges that while he was a State Senator, Benjamin conspired to direct $50,000 in State funds to a Harlem real estate developer’s charity. In exchange, the developer gathered thousands of dollars in illegal contributions to Benjamin’s 2020 Senate campaign and his unsuccessful 2021 bid for New York City comptroller.  According to the indictment, Benjamin is being charged with bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy.

Mask Mandates Lifted for Businesses and Schools

Due to declining trends in new COVID cases and New York State’s strong vaccination rates, Governor Hochul has lifted the school mask mandate, with Wednesday March 2nd marking the first day children are no longer required to wear masks in school. This comes shortly after the ‘Mask or Vax’ mandate for all indoor businesses was lifted on February, 10th.

Highlight’s of Hochul’s Executive Budget

Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled her first Executive Budget last week, outlining a $216B spending plan that is focused on rebuilding and rehabilitating the State following the peak devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Announces Booster Mandate for Healthcare Workers

 Governor Hochul announced a COVID booster mandate for health care workers. Employees will need to receive a booster shot within two weeks of being eligible for one. There will be no exemptions nor a test-out option.

U.S. Rep Tom Suozzi Joins the Race for Governor

On Monday, U.S. Rep Tom Suozzi, a Long Island and Queens Democrat, has officially announced his run for Governor.  Suozzi joins the crowded Democratic primary race as a self proclaimed centrist, hoping to attract the moderate Democrat vote.

On Friday, November 26th, Governor Hochul released an Executive Order declaring a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York through January 15, 2022 in light of an increase in positive COVID cases and hospitalizations.